Vikram Lal
Vikram Lal | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1942 India |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Business executive |
| Years active | 1966–1997 (active management) |
| Known for | Founder and former CEO of Eicher Motors |
Vikram Lal (born 1942) is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder and former chief executive officer of Eicher Motors, a commercial vehicle manufacturer headquartered in New Delhi. He has also held a position on the board of The Doon School. According to Forbes, as of 9 October 2024, Vikram Lal and his family are ranked 31st among India's wealthiest individuals, possessing a net worth estimated at $8.8 billion.
Early life and education
Vikram Lal was born in 1942 and pursued his studies in mechanical engineering at the Technische Universität Darmstadt.
Business career
Lal became involved with Eicher India in 1966, a company established by his father, Man Mohan Lal, in 1948 as part of the family business ventures. Eicher initially launched India's first tractor manufacturing operation in 1959 through a collaboration with the German firm Eicher, later diversifying into light commercial vehicles by 1986 and subsequently into heavy commercial vehicles. After undergoing heart bypass surgery in 1985, Lal gradually stepped back from active management duties and ultimately entrusted operational control to professional executives. By 1997, he had fully retired from executive responsibilities, allowing professional management to lead the company.
Personal life
Vikram Lal is married to Anita Lal, who founded the lifestyle brand Good Earth. The couple has three children. Their son, Siddhartha Lal, assumed the role of CEO at Eicher Motors in 2006. One of their daughters, Simran Lal, oversees the family's lifestyle enterprises Good Earth and Nicobar. In his retirement years, Vikram Lal dedicates his efforts to philanthropic activities through the Goodearth Education Foundation.